"The lads are disappointed in the changing room - we could have scored more goals and on another day we would have done that," Jones said after the game.

"A bit more luck and it might have gone in. We’ve got to repeat the same sort of performance at Old Trafford.

"I think we defended very well all over the pitch. It was a backs to the wall job once they scored but I thought we hit back with great belief. Half-time was probably important for us and we played really well in the second half."

Jones was again implemented in a central-midfield role for United and was tasked with keeping a close eye on former Red Devils star Ronaldo after thwarting the likes of Gareth Bale and Marouane Fellaini in recent weeks.

Jones added: "The gaffer told me a few days ago that I was going to play. I knew what I had to do.

"Obviously Ronaldo is the main threat of the Madrid team. The gaffer said ‘you’ve got to be wary of him and follow him inside when he comes off the line’. Once or twice it was a wake-up call for me because he’s so sharp."

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick reserved praise for David De Gea after the Spanish goalkeeper made a number of crucial saves to deny the hosts.

The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper has faced questions about his performances ever since his £18.3m switch to Old Trafford in 2011 - but Carrick says the 22-year-old should expect criticism and showed his worth against Madrid.

Carrick said: "He showed what he’s made of. There’s no bigger pressure cooker than coming to a place like this and I thought he was terrific. He kept us in the game at times.

"It’s never nice getting criticism but that’s natural at a place like this [Manchester United]. You’re always getting questioned and criticised. It’s how you deal with it that matters, he’s a top keeper and he’s only going to get better."